Simon Cook in

Simon Cook

Observer · DISC type ic
Principal at MidKent College
📍 Gillingham, England, United Kingdom

Simon Cook is the Principal and Chief Executive of MidKent College, bringing a unique background that began as an apprentice chef and evolved into co-owning a Michelin-starred restaurant. Educated at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, he now applies his passion for vocational training to lead the colleges educational and community initiatives.

Having worked internationally in Germany and South Africa, where he met his wife, Simon is now deeply committed to the Medway and Maidstone communities. This dedication extends beyond his professional role, as he actively works to improve the area through various trustee and board positions, including chairing the Medway Place Board.

Unique fact: His first career was as a highly successful chef, which culminated in him co-owning a restaurant that earned a Michelin star.

Read the full overview →
Experience
21 Years
Current Role
Principal
Job Level
Senior
Location
Gillingham, England, United Kingdom
Personality Overview

How Simon shows up

Assertive
Example Seeker
Value Driven

They can sound friendly and charming but can quickly change gears to become inquisitive and probing. They are generally good communicators and can be hard to convince. They often ask many questions and rely heavily on information and documentation.

Priorities

Topics Simon cares about

Vocational Education
Began his own career as an apprentice chef and is a passionate advocate for vocational training that provides life-changing opportunities and clear pathways to employment or university.
Community Regeneration
As Chair of the Medway Place Board, he is deeply invested in the economic and cultural development of the region and was instrumental in Medway's UK City of Culture bid.
+4 more topics Login to view topics
Career

Work history

9-2014
Principal
MidKent College
8-2013 - 9-2014
Vice Principal
MidKent College
6-2011 - 6-2014
Additional Inspector
OFSTED - TRIBAL
9-2011 - 8-2013
Corporate Curriculum Lead
Cornwall College
9-2004 - 8-2011
Head of Division
Somerset College
In the press

Media appearances

Appointment of new principal - MidKent College. Featured in MidKent College News
See now
Education
2017 - 2018
FE strategic Leadership
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
2012 - 2013
Master's degree
Coventry University
Social presence
in
Behavioral profile

DISC profile (public)

i

Influence (I)

Influence (I) reflects the degree to which a person prefers to work by influencing or persuading others. Those scoring high tend to be people oriented, motivated by social recognition and building relationships.

Other MidKent College Employees

Explore more public profiles from related professionals.

More profiles

Discover additional public profiles from our index.

Unlock the full playbookSee exactly how to sell to Simon. Free, 10 seconds.